Saxony-Anhalt Premier Warns of School Closures Under AfD Government

Sven Schulze, the Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential impact of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining power, particularly concerning the education system. In comments to the magazine 'Focus', Schulze expressed deep concern that the AfD's agenda could lead to an unprecedented wave of school closures, especially in rural communities.

“

Die AfD will auch die Schulpflicht abschaffen. Gerade auf dem Land wird das ein Schulsterben auslösen, wie wir es noch nie erlebt haben

The core of Schulze's argument lies in the AfD's stated intention to abolish compulsory schooling. He contends that even a small reduction in student numbers, which could result from parents opting for home education as proposed by the AfD, would make it impossible to maintain classes in areas where student numbers are already low. This, he predicts, would trigger a 'school death' unlike anything seen before.

“

In Dörfern braucht es bei der Einschulung 15 Kinder pro Klasse. Wenn beispielsweise zwei Kinder von den Eltern nicht mehr in die Schule geschickt werden, müssen die Klassen dichtmachen.

Furthermore, Schulze vehemently opposes the AfD's proposal to implement a quota system for entry into Gymnasien. He insists that academic merit should remain the primary criterion for accessing higher education tracks, not a politically determined quota. Schulze even personalizes the argument, suggesting he himself might not have become Minister President under such a system, highlighting his own academic performance in primary school.

“

Ich werde es nicht zulassen, dass nicht mehr wie bisher die Leistung, sondern eine von der AfD vorgegebene Quote darüber entscheidet, welche Schule unsere Kinder besuchen

These warnings come at a critical juncture, as recent polls show the AfD leading significantly in Saxony-Anhalt's upcoming state elections. The debate over education policy is thus intertwined with the broader political contest, with Schulze attempting to galvanize opposition to the AfD by highlighting what he portrays as the potentially devastating consequences of their platform on a fundamental aspect of public life.

“

Ich selbst wäre unter solchen Bedingungen übrigens heute nicht Ministerpräsident geworden, weil ich in der Grundschule trotz guter Noten nicht zu den besten 25 Prozent gehörte.